2. amps-preamps
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Amp upgrade for Revel M20 speakers

For the past several months, I've been slowly upgrading my two channel system. Prior to that, I hadn't touched it in over 20 years. For all those years, it was: Denon DCD1520 CD player, Nak SR4A receiver, Spica TC-50 speakers. Today, with latest upgrade of speakers to Revel M20s, the system comprises: Arcam DV-137 (transport for CD, SACD playback), PS Audio Digital Link 3 DAC, Audible Illusions L1 pre, B&K Ref 2220 amp driving the M20s.

I'm pretty happy with everything at this point. At least I think I can finally stop the hunt for the right speakers - at least for a while. BUT....I can't help but think I can do better with my amplification than the B&K. The B&K is very nice but I think the M20s deserve just a little bit better.

There are two aspects of the current system's performance that I am looking to improve with a change in amplification: 1) wider, deeper soundstage and 2) more dynamic transients (I believe the B&K is a bit sluggish though not bad at all)

I have two options that I'm considering and am looking for input from people having experience with the M20s (or very similar). The two options are: 1) change out the B&K for another power amp (budget would be about $800 for used amp), 2) swap out the AI pre and B&K amp for a high quality integrated (budget would be about $1,200 for used integrated).

As far as amps to replace the B&K only, I really am looking for suggestions for something that would mate well with both the AI pre and the M20s and provide a significant improvement in performance.

Integrateds that I've looked into include: Creek Destiny, Nait Naim 5i-2, and Simaudio i-1. Any opinions on these or others in my price range that would give me the performance enhancements I'm looking for would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Jon
jblack16

Showing 7 responses by jblack16

jblack16 OP
10 posts
 
Zd542,
Thanks for the heads up on the DNA-125 - I'm very sensitive to any brightness in the upper range and realize that the M20s already tend that way. I believe the M20 with the B&K 2220 is a good match as far as taming any brightness in the highs.

Dayglow,
Thanks for the tip and the suggestions - I'll be researching those over the weekend.
jblack16 OP
10 posts
 
Thanks again for the replies.

If I went with either the Creek Destiny integrated or the McCormack DNA 125 (with the AI L1 pre), is it fair to say that I would likely experience a noticeable step up in performance as compared to my current setup (AI L1 pre into B&K Ref 2220)?
jblack16 OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for the replies.

RW,
I hadn't thought of the Emo amps but I'll look into them now. Do you have any idea how the Emo amps would compare to the B&K I'm currently using? The Revels may actually be even lower efficiency than their stated 87dB. Sterophile measured it at 84dB I believe. Either way, they do need a lot of power which is why I wanted to understand how they behave with integrated amps that aren't rated for as much power as my B&K or other power amps in the $800 price range.

Ejlif,
Thanks for the info on the Destiny and the Simaudio i5. My system is in a medium sized bedroom and I don't typically play at ear-splitting levels. Do you have any idea how loud you had to drive the M20s to get the Destiny to cut off? You said that the Simaudio gave you a tighter, snappier bass through the M20s, how was the bass with the Destiny?
jblack16 OP
10 posts
 
Does anyone have any thoughts on the Plinius 8100 or 9100 integrateds as compared to the Creek Destiny for pairing with M20s?
jblack16 OP
10 posts
 
Update:
I ended up getting an Odyssey Stratos (standard model, not dual mono, no cap upgrades) to replace the B&K 2220. Overall, the change gave me a significant improvement in soundstage width and depth, imaging precision, and dynamic slam. The system sounds good (maybe even very good) but I wouldn't say it is the most "musical" sounding system - very clear and punchy but somewhat on the analytical side. So, I'm on the upgrade path again and am thinking about either another power amp change or an integrated (again).

The one integrated that I wanted to get some input on was the Anthem Integrated 225. Does anyone have experience with both the Odyssey Stratos and the Anthem Integrated 225 that could weigh in on whether or not the Anthem could be an improvement (i.e. more "musical", less analytical) over the Odyssey when paired with Revel M20 speakers?

Also, if anyone has suggestions on another integrated ($1,500 used max) or power amp ($1,000 used max) that would give me a more musical sounding result, I'd appreciate hearing them.

Any other suggestions are welcome as well.

System comprises:
- PC running Foobar for FLAC playback
- Bel Canto mLink - USB to SPIDF converter
- PS Audio Digital Link III DAC (stock)
- Audible Illusions L1 Preamp with Tungsram 6922
- Odyssey Stratos amp
- Revel M20 speakers

Thanks,
jblack16 OP
10 posts
 
Schubert, thanks for the input. I've been pondering tube amplification as a possible next step. I'll take a look at the EE integrated and see if that might work for me.
jblack16 OP
10 posts
 
The EE M88 looks really interesting but I have no idea if 40W of tube amplication will be enough for the Revel M20s. They are rated at 87dB efficiency and I listen up to levels of 100dB peak at about 10 feet from the speakers. Does anyone out there have experience with either the M20s or similar moderate efficiency speakers with medium power tube amplifiers?
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